Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ranchi has set up a dedicated centre for tribal studies and signed MoUs with two noted non-government organisations working in the field of development of adivasis in the state during a formal ceremony held at the premier business school’s building at Suchana Bhavan on Tuesday.

Governor Droupadi Murmu while virtually launching the Birsa Munda Centre for Tribal Affairs (BMCTA), lauded IIM-R for venturing into the field of tribal research and studies as part of its academic responsibilities.

She said, “It is our responsibility to take tribal values and make people aware of the cultural heritage of different tribes. Students can learn more about the tribal community through this centre. The government would be able to provide more development to them via this initiative. I hope that IIM Ranchi will ready students for entrepreneurship development in the state of Jharkhand. Thus, the tribal communities’ development will be preserved. Such initiatives can avoid extinction of tribes. It will also help in preserving their culture and heritage.”

Other guests present at the low-key ceremony hosted at the IIM campus included Ranchi University vice-chancellor Ramesh Kumar Pandey as guest of honour, Padmashree and founder secretary of Vikash Bharti, an NGO based in Bishunpur, Gumla, vice-president of Friends of Tribal Society for Mumbai Chapter, Namita Pandya among others. Members of IIM’s board of governors on the other hand connected virtually to participate.

Speaking on their new initiatives, IIM-R director Shailendra Singh explained the reason behind setting up an exclusive centre for tribals. He said, “Tribal issues are important because tribal communities are still considered backward. The center’s vision will be to become one of the finest platforms where people can seek knowledge on tribal issues, income generation, entrepreneurship programmes, and how it can be inculcated in tribal youths. We should give development opportunities to tribal people to integrate them with society in accordance with the government of India’s vision to become Atmanirbhar Bharat.”

One MoU each that was signed with Vikas Bharati and Friends of Tribal Society is to boost research fueled activities and roll out work integrated education programmes at the village levels.

Vikas Bharati’s Bhagat said, “We are proud to be associated with IIM Ranchi at the right time. Sustainable development can be achieved with the help of students, and tribal people are ready. Jobs will be provided in rural areas with the help of the government.”

Namita Pandya, President of Friends of Tribal Society for Mumbai Chapter, on the other hand said that IIM Ranchi’s move to sign the MOU of Ekal Abhiyaan, focuses on total integrated village primary education development. “Through the Ekal Abhiyaan programme, we are taking care of tribals for their overall development for the last 30 years,” she said.